India Post’s transformation from traditional mail services to a diverse range of offerings has revolutionized its reach and impact. In Dakshina Kannada district, Mangaluru and Puttur divisions have exemplified this evolution. Mangaluru boasts 148 post offices, providing an array of services such as Aadhaar enrollment, banking, insurance, and government schemes.
Mangaluru’s services have been modernized under the guidance of M Sudhakara Mallya, senior superintendent of post offices. In addition to traditional services like savings accounts and money orders, the post offices now offer innovative options. These include recurring deposits at 6.5% interest, fixed deposits with returns ranging from 6.9% to 7.5%, and a monthly income scheme at 7.4% interest. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana caters to girl children, providing funds for education or marriage. Senior citizens can avail of the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme with an 8.2% interest on up to Rs 30 lakh.
The post offices also facilitate various Prime Minister’s schemes like PMSBY, PMJJBY, and APY, providing financial security to subscribers. Insurance services have been extended to professionals, offering coverage up to Rs 50 lakh with low premiums and high bonuses. The sovereign gold bond scheme allows investments in gold with a 2.50% annual interest rate.
Common service centers in post offices enable bill payments, ticket bookings, and document applications. Notably, Mangaluru division introduced home delivery of birth and death certificates. Project Mangala delivers educational certificates to students’ doorsteps. Upcoming events like Rakhi and Guruvandana prompt unique offerings – sisters can send Rakhi online, and students can send gifts to teachers through the post offices. The post offices also empower local traders and MSMEs through the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra, facilitating exports. They even deliver temple prasadam from religious shrines.
Aadhaar-based payments have streamlined government scheme disbursements. Public can update Aadhaar information at 39 centers, with 13,500 monthly enrollments. The Mangaluru head post office is a dedicated Aadhaar center for those aged 18 and above. Upcoming Aadhaar camps will facilitate updates and enrollments in various locations.
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